Grace upon Grace

John 1:16 “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

Introduction:

Description of Grace:

God did not give favor to us because of something that we have done

nor was it because of something that we would do

He gave favor because he wanted to — “only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the giver”

God did not give favor with the idea that He would receive anything

If we know and understand that God has done us a great favor, then that favor will bring joy, pleasure, gratification, or thanks.

Proposition: What is Grace Upon Grace and how does it change us?

Grace upon grace means that God was gracious in the OT and He is gracious in Christ. So grace (OT) upon Grace (NT)

1. Grace in the OT with the Law of Moses

John 1:17 (NASB95)

Law of Moses and Christ are not in opposition to one another.

John 1:17 explains John 1:16, grace upon grace

Also, Remember, the Law spoke of Jesus

John 5:39 NASB95

39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;

Exodus 34:5–6

Where do we see this grace in the Law of Moses?

We see God’s grace with the sacrifices

The sacrifices in the OT have the same type of grace as Christ’s sacrifice, which means it was there to cover sins.

Burnt offering: Voluntary act of worship; atonement for unintentional sin in general; expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to God

Grain Offering: Voluntary act of worship; recognition of God’s goodness and provisions; devotion to God

Peace Offering: Voluntary act of worship; thanksgiving and fellowship (it included a communal meal)

Sin Offering: Mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin; confession of sin; forgiveness of sin; cleansing from defilement

Guilt Offering: Mandatory atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution; cleansing from defilement; make restitution; pay 20% fine

These sacrifices, especially the ones which were for atonement of sins, were God’s grace. If fits the description of grace.

We see God’s grace in how He dealt with the people

Numbers 11:1-15

Numbers 12:1-15

Numbers 14 when the people rebelled about taking the Land of Canaan

Deuteronomy 19 with the cities of refuge

When God let wicked kings reign without immediately destroying them

When Israel killed the prophets that God sent but God didn’t destroy Israel immediately

God’s grace was abundant, more than enough, ultra-sufficient

What does this mean for us?

God has been dealing favorably with you!

He puts up with you!

He doesn’t immediately punish or destroy you

But do you take advantage of God’s grace?

Before the Law of Moses Men didn’t Realize the Seriousness of Sin

Romans 5:20 NASB95

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

Law came so that men could see the seriousness of sin, that it was a sin against God and that is how the Law produced more sin.

Think of a time, when you thought you hadn’t wronged someone. You were so sure of it that you’d bet your reputation. But then, that person said, I was hurt by you.

How did you feel when you realized your sins?

Guilt. Hurt. Lousy.

That is what happened when the Law came!

But God had grace upon us and that grace increased.

Grace increased and increased and increased with the culmination of Jesus dying on the cross.

2. Grace in Christ

John 1:17 -18(NASB95)

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

Christ gave us an example of grace

John 1:14 NASB95

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Christ was full of grace

The times Christ showed us the example of grace:

Matt 8:1-4

= what had this man done to deserve healing?

Matt. 9:1-8

Matt. 13:53-58

John 8:1-11

John 9:1-7

In Christ, Grace Reigns through Righteousness

Romans 5:20–21 NASB95

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The righteousness was Christ’s gift on the cross, given to you

Romans 5:17,19

Gift of righteousness must produce the correct living for God

Otherwise, the gift of righteousness is dead

Does your life reflect the gift of righteousness?

In other words, do you obey God’s word?

Do you think lightly of God’s favor towards you?

Romans 6:1-4

Romans 5:20-21 contrast death and eternal life

Sin produced death

Grace produces eternal life = life without end

Death or Eternal Life

Conclusion: Grace upon Grace

The OT Law taught us grace but Jesus gave us the example of grace

Do you treat others with grace as God would?

Or do you treat others with contempt?

What are you doing with God’s grace?

Are you thankful for it and living God’s standard?

Or are you taking God’s grace for granted by continuing in sin?